Nebraska Dominates Northwestern in Historic Victory
In a decisive matchup on Saturday afternoon, No. 8 Nebraska asserted their dominance by defeating Northwestern 77-58 in Evanston, Illinois, improving their record to an exceptional 18-0 this season. This victory marks the Cornhuskers’ best start in the history of their program, as they push further ahead in the Big Ten Conference with a perfect 7-0 record.
Key Performers
Braden Frager and Pryce Sandfort both shone on the court, scoring 20 points each, with Sam Hoiberg contributing significantly with 12 points and seven rebounds. The Cornhuskers led by a narrow margin of 34-29 at halftime, but quickly extended their advantage to 41-32 early in the second period following a 3-pointer from Hoiberg that capped a 7-0 run.
Game Highlights
Despite a valiant effort from Northwestern, who brought the score to 46-41 shortly thereafter, Nebraska responded emphatically, launching a 17-3 scoring spree that solidified their commanding lead and ultimately led to a comfortable victory.
The Cornhuskers capitalized on Northwestern’s errors, converting 11 turnovers into 12 points, ensuring they maintained a share of the top position in the conference standings. Northwestern’s Nick Martinelli, the second-leading scorer nationally before the game, ended the night with 22 points and 10 rebounds, though his effort dwindled in the second half where he scored only seven points. Tre Singleton added 14 points for the Wildcats, who suffered their fifth consecutive defeat.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Nebraska will host Washington on Wednesday evening, while Northwestern will travel to take on Southern California at the same time. This season continues to present challenges and opportunities for both teams as they navigate through crucial matchups in the coming weeks.
